“Tomorrow is the 38th Earth Day, a day to reflect on the progress we’ve made for the health of our planet – and to remember how much more remains to be done. Looking back, we can be proud that the Democratic Majorities in Congress have made real progress toward a future of cleaner energy and an America free of its fossil-fuel, foreign-oil addiction.

“In the past year, Congress passed the historic Energy Independence and Security Act, legislation that develops biofuels, increases fuel efficiency, and is set to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions over the years to come. In fact, to cut that much pollution, we’d have to take 28 million cars and trucks off the road.

“But global warming remains the greatest long-term environmental threat. Democrats are committed to meeting that challenge head-on. We need to end taxpayer subsidies to oil companies making record profits, and instead direct resources to our growing renewable energy industry. We need to make our traditional energy sources burn cleaner, by advancing technologies like carbon sequestration. And we need to set incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as a cap-and-trade system.

“Democrats are confident that we can make our country green and strong at the same time: Over the next decade, investing in clean energy can create an estimated 3 million new jobs, strengthen our national security, and result in healthier communities and a cleaner environment for our children.

“If we can look back on those accomplishments next Earth Day, we’ll truly have something to celebrate.”